Dream Theater: Train of Thought

Autographed by Portnoy, & Petrucci

Released in 2003, Dream Theater's seventh full length album, "Train of Thought" still holds the title of the band's heaviest album by far. This album saw Dream Theater move away from the multi-part suites, and the more melodically driven tunes, for a lot of crunch, and heavy riffs. And for me, I think it works, as I have always loved this album. From start to finish, it's a wild ride, and one that I like to take fairly often.

The album kicks off with "As I Am", which is possibly the heaviest tune in Dream Theater's discography. From absolutely blistering guitar riffs, and a rhythm section playing their hearts out, to the heavy keyboard riffs, this metal masterpiece is an all out rocker from start to finish. It even calls images of Metallica to mind. And from there into the next track, "This Dying Soul" (the second song in the 12-Step saga) rocks just as hard, with some of the best riffs from both keyboards, and guitars on the album (especially that guitar solo!). Vocally, this one is also very exciting, and James sings the tune to perfection. Some really cool vocal melodies on this tune. It's not quite as all out metal as the previous track, with some breathers placed throughout the track, but it's a definite metal classic.

"Endless Sacrifice" is part melodic rocker, and part metal anthem. The vocal melodies really sell me on this one, but there are enough killer riffs from Petrucci, and Rudess to please even the biggest fan of Dream Theater's heavier songs. There are even moments of pure beauty here. The instrumental section is such a masterclass at music writing, that it still gives me goosebumps to this day. This song could have been at home on any of the band's albums, but it's a nice sort of breather here, before kicking back into high gear with "Honor Thy Father".

"Honor Thy Father" kicks off with face-melting drums, and some of the sickest guitar/keyboard riffs on the album. Right from the start you can tell that the band were going for the jugular on this one. And though there are some moments of melodic beauty, for the most part this song grabs on tight, and doesn't let go. And if you think the music sounds angry, those lyrics about an awful step-father really drive home just how angry this track is. I think this may be one of James LaBrie's shining moments on the disc. And even Myung really gets to play his ass off here, as that bass work on this song is phenomenal. 

And then we get to "Vacant", and "Stream of Consciousness". "Vacant" may be the prettiest song in the band's catalog. At least, it certainly sits up there with "Disappear", and "Wait For Sleep". And though it is very pretty, it has this sort of creepy vibe that I just love, and it sets up the absolutely epic instrumental track that follows. "Stream of Consciousness" is far and away my favorite instrumental tune from Dream Theater. Yes, even better than "The Dance of Eternity". To me, this track is melodic, it's blistering, it's an exercise in true self-indulgence, and with all of its twists and turns, it's everything that I look for in an absolutely life altering bit of brilliance, and genius. The fact that this song came from these minds just further cements their absolutely incredible musicianship. 

If the first six songs weren't enough, Dream Theater have definitely saved the best for last here, at least in my opinion. "In the Name of God" is one of those songs that have me wondering how it ever got dropped from the setlist, as I think it may be one of the best songs that the band have ever written. It's a heavy metal, melodic masterpiece. It's an epic work of art in every sense of the word. From the blistering, killer music, to the masterfully delivered vocals, this is without a doubt Dream Theater at their finest. Lyrically, it's about the fucking nut bag that was David Koresh, and his insanity fueled religious compound. At over fourteen minutes long, it's the longest track on the album, and one that I find myself wishing it would go on another ten minutes. It's such a fucking beast of a song, and should be essential listening to any fan of progressive metal.

While this is easily the heaviest album in the band's catalog, that doesn't mean that there aren't some moments of pure beauty. And I think that's part of the charm of "Train of Thought". It may be a progressive metal fan's dream come true, but it's also a very melodic disc. I can only hope that with Mike Portnoy back in the band that we get to see this chemistry at work again, because these five guys together are absolutely brilliant.